Out of courtesy when interacting with others, Shen Xin Zi refrained from using his divine sense, so he had no idea what the book in Gu An's hands contained. Even after being refused, he had no intention of being rude.
He asked why he couldn't read it, to which Gu An replied that books for the Buddhist path were not suitable for secular reading. Instead, Gu An handed him a copy of Righteous and Demonic.
This book narrated the story of the Dao Sword Sovereign carving the characters "Righteous Dao" at the Heaven Mending Platform, revealing the darkness within Tai Xuan Sect. Surprisingly, rather than damaging the sect's reputation, it inspired more people to see its pursuit of the Righteous Dao and its willingness to correct its mistakes.
While this book didn't have the widespread popularity of Journey to the West or Investiture of the Gods, it was still a favorite among many within the various sects, often studied and discussed in detail.
Shen Xin Zi took the book, his interest piqued as he read the title on the cover. He expressed his thanks to Gu An and left.
After Shen Xin Zi departed, Gu An retrieved his copy of Tai Xuan Secrets and continued reading.
He rarely involved himself in the personal dilemmas of others. If someone sought his opinion, he would share his true thoughts but never push. He, too, had his own life and saw no need to overthink the struggles of others.
Gu An preferred to see himself as an observer of others' lives. He acted according to his own will but avoided becoming overly attached, preventing regrets from taking hold.
...
Shen Xin Zi decided to stay in the Third Medicine Valley after his arrival, and Gu An did not object to hosting a powerhouse at the ninth level of the Wandering Immortal Realm.
Currently, the Third Medicine Valley had become the strongest location within Tai Xuan Sect and possibly the continent. With both Shen Xin Zi and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord present, Gu An felt assured of the valley's safety and was more at ease during his outings.
Five years quickly passed.
That summer was unusually mild compared to previous years. As Gu An descended the stairs, he noticed many cultivators flying across the sky.
Tai Xuan Sect was once again hosting its Alchemy Conference, creating a lively atmosphere.
Gu An planned to join the festivities. After heading downstairs, he mounted the Blood Prison Saint and prepared to depart.
As the Blood Prison Saint stood, Ji Xiaoya approached, swiftly catching up to them.
Seeing this, Gu An dismounted, patted the Blood Prison Saint on the back, and said, "You're free to roam around today."
With Ji Xiaoya present, it wasn't appropriate for Gu An to ride his mount. There was no way they could ride together—it wouldn't look right.
After all, Gu An valued his reputation and dignity.
The Blood Prison Saint beamed with joy and turned to leave.
Ji Xiaoya asked, "Why didn't you keep riding?"
Gu An rolled his eyes and replied, "I was riding it, but then you showed up. You clearly want to tag along. If that's the case, I might as well bring you along."
This girl was asking an obvious question just to gauge his reaction.
Sure enough, Ji Xiaoya's lips curved into a smile, her expression bright and enchanting.
"Let's head to the outer city," she suggested.
"Alright," Gu An replied.
The two of them leaped into the air and flew toward the outer city.
A stick of incense's time later, they arrived at the base of the Heaven Mending Platform. Before them was a sea of people, crowded and bustling.
Gu An could sense the presence of several individuals at the Flying Immortal Realm. Although his own days passed uneventfully, Tai Xuan Sect grew stronger with each passing year.
It was said that the elders' hall of Tai Xuan Sect had undergone significant changes, with many elders replaced. The overall cultivation level of the new elders had significantly improved.
The aristocratic families within the sect had also been recruiting overseas cultivators. Their departures weren't due to suppression but rather voluntary choices that ultimately made them stronger and more influential.
As Gu An observed the scene, he casually used his lifespan investigation ability. He enjoyed viewing people's lifespan limits—a curiosity that even Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortals couldn't detect.
Ji Xiaoya broke the silence. "I heard that you know another Ji Xiaoya?"
Gu An nodded. "Yes, the Third Miss I mentioned before."
"Could she be me? My past life?" Ji Xiaoya suddenly asked.
Gu An was taken aback. Could this girl have already awakened her past life memories?
Ji Xiaoya explained, "My name has always felt intrinsic to me, not something I grew accustomed to over time. Moreover, the other Ji Xiaoya passed away not long before I was born."
"The first time I saw you, I felt an inexplicable familiarity. And you just so happened to know the other Ji Xiaoya well. Doesn't this all seem like more than just coincidence?"
She stared at Gu An intently, waiting for his answer.
Gu An instinctively raised a hand and pressed it against her forehead before withdrawing it. "No fever," he muttered.
Ji Xiaoya glared at him. "I'm serious!"
Gu An spread his hands in mock helplessness. "Why are you asking me? I'm just a Core Formation Realm cultivator. Do you think I can discern the mysteries of reincarnation?"
"But ever since we met, you've shown little curiosity about my name," Ji Xiaoya pressed.
"That's because I was already shocked before you arrived. You can ask the Deputy Sect Master."
"Really?"
"Of course. Think about it—if it's true, I wouldn't want to know. If you and the other Ji Xiaoya are truly the same person, imagine how terrifying the implications would be. What kind of sinister schemes might lie behind it? With my mere Core Formation Realm cultivation, I'd be obliterated just for getting involved."
Gu An wore an expression of exaggerated fear, taking a step to the side as he spoke.
Ji Xiaoya, seeing his dramatic demeanor, couldn't help but laugh wryly. "I'm just asking; why are you so afraid?"
"I've survived until today by adhering to one principle: avoid trouble whenever possible," Gu An declared. "I've lived through the Outer Sect turmoil, demonic invasions, the catastrophe of demons and monsters. You can't imagine how difficult it's been to make it this far."
He began listing his hardships, growing visibly proud of himself as he spoke.
Watching his antics, Ji Xiaoya realized he was just being playful. She found herself both amused and exasperated.
"Brother Gu, you've arrived," a voice called out.
Descending from the Heaven Mending Platform was Wu Jue, now a cultivator at the second layer of the Divine Transformation Realm. Once timid, Wu Jue had transformed into a renowned genius of Tai Xuan Sect, receiving abundant resources and radiating newfound confidence.
Gu An greeted him with a smile.
Wu Jue's gaze shifted to Ji Xiaoya, his face showing clear confusion.
Why was there a different woman beside Gu An? This was becoming too much...
Gu An quickly introduced Ji Xiaoya.
Wu Jue's eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah, so you're Ji Xiaoya, the most gifted descendant of the Ji Family in recent years?"
Ji Xiaoya gave a slight nod. After Gu An introduced Wu Jue in return, she didn't seem too surprised.
After all, while Wu Jue was a recognized genius, the Third Medicine Valley housed several great cultivators, and even the Sect Master occasionally visited.
After a few polite exchanges, Wu Jue bid farewell, suggesting they share a drink together in the future. However, Gu An knew this promise would likely go unfulfilled.
Gu An had the time, but Wu Jue rarely did. If he wasn't immersed in cultivation, he was out on missions. For a genius like Wu Jue, years could pass in a single cultivation session.
As Gu An watched Wu Jue leave, he reflected silently. Sometimes, being too comfortable wasn't a good thing.
Wu Jue's lifespan limit hadn't changed in decades, remaining the same as before.
Of course, with his current limit of 7,600 years, surpassing the Mahayana Realm shouldn't be difficult. Yet, Gu An felt a hint of regret—he had once believed Wu Jue could rival An Hao.
Ji Xiaoya noticed the trace of regret in Gu An's expression. "What's wrong?" she asked.
Gu An chuckled. "Just feeling a little sorry for him. I think he could achieve even greater things."
"He hasn't accomplished enough already? With An Hao gone, he's the number one genius of Tai Xuan Sect," Ji Xiaoya replied, puzzled.
"Hahaha, true enough," Gu An said, letting the matter drop. He then led Ji Xiaoya toward the Heaven Mending Platform.
"Back in the day, the Third Miss also tried her hand at the Heaven-Sundering Axe. When your cultivation improves, you should give it a shot too," Gu An remarked casually.
Ji Xiaoya's interest in the Heaven-Sundering Axe was instantly piqued.
The two weaved through the crowd, heading toward the area near the axe.
At that moment, Zuo Yijian was loudly berating someone. With so many people gathered, it was inevitable that someone would step into the ceremonial area of the axe.
The ceremonial area was something Zuo Yijian had established himself. He insisted that only challengers were allowed within a specific range of the Heaven-Sundering Axe to maintain respect for the Dao Sword Sovereign. His proposal had been approved by Tai Xuan Sect, as showing reverence toward the sovereign was considered essential.
Gu An's gaze scanned the crowd and landed on an inconspicuous figure.
[Qie Wuxing (Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, Ninth Layer): 0/0/0]
A Spectral Wraith King!
This individual had some skill. His method of concealing his aura was exceptionally refined. Gu An hadn't noticed him earlier, even after scanning the outer city from the Heaven Mending Platform with his divine sense.
Qie Wuxing had taken on the guise of a scholar, complete with a scholar's hat and folding fan. Standing in the crowd, he seemed utterly ordinary, watching others challenge the Heaven-Sundering Axe with great interest but making no move to step forward himself.
Gu An gave him only a brief glance before shifting his gaze away, careful not to draw his attention.
During his time in the Supernatural Realm, Gu An had encountered Qie Wuxing. Back then, his aura was far more formidable than it appeared now. For him to venture into Gu An's territory now suggested he had a purpose.
Could he be investigating Gu An?
Gu An decided to wait and see what his intentions were.
Soon, the city's Alchemy Conference was about to begin, prompting many to leave the Heaven Mending Platform to join the excitement.
Alchemy Conferences were held in various cities as regional competitions, culminating in a final event broadcast via formations for all sect disciples and cultivators to witness.
Zuo Yijian noticed Gu An and greeted him warmly. His son, Zuo Lin, was a close friend of Gu An's, and Zuo Yijian had always admired Gu An's considerate and approachable demeanor.
"Care to give it a try? Test the fruits of your recent cultivation," Zuo Yijian said with a friendly smile.
Gu An glanced at Ji Xiaoya. "Why not take a shot? There's no harm in trying, and it's not like you can only try once."
Ji Xiaoya nodded and approached the Heaven-Sundering Axe.
Qie Wuxing' gaze shifted toward Ji Xiaoya, his expression subtly changing. For a moment, he seemed excited, but he quickly suppressed his emotions.
This change did not escape Gu An's divine sense, though he pretended not to notice.
Ji Xiaoya ultimately failed to lift the axe, but no one mocked her. After all, the Heaven-Sundering Axe had been there for years without anyone succeeding.
After a brief conversation with Zuo Yijian, Gu An and Ji Xiaoya left.
As they exited the crowd and reached a more open area, Qie Wuxing suddenly quickened his pace to catch up.
"Wait, please!"
His voice stopped Gu An and Ji Xiaoya, who turned around to face him, puzzled.
Stopping before them, Qie Wuxing cupped his fists in greeting. "I am Wu Xing, hailing from overseas. I dare not claim to know much, but I've seen quite a bit. Just now, I noticed this young lady's extraordinary destiny. She must be the reincarnation of a great destiny. Would the two of you care to discuss this further in private?"
Hearing the word "reincarnation," Ji Xiaoya's brows furrowed.
She instinctively glanced at Gu An. She wanted to hear what Wu Xing had to say but feared it might displease Gu An.